RADIATION LEVELS OF MORE THAN 0.05% THORIUM RESIDUES

3. BE. Carvitti
R. H. Starkey

Following are the radiation
the outside of the drums col
the exception of those marked
contact readings of the m

All readings were taken with
regard of the backgro#
was 5.0 mreps/hr.

loom
*}

| Cian, py

October 12, 1956

Sunt
ord |

2128871

tact with
4dues, with
7 asterisk which indicates

py meter without any
» which generally

Code Activity
Type Hreps/hr.
203” de ged 30
2 nase 30
205° atte 5
206* tiop 5
207 Splid/sorap - tiduction melt 25
208 hzot\erops - induction melt 30
209 Gurnings - induction melt - non~-
mee A ie See : Driquettable 10
ps - arc melt 30
bh in impurities-induction melt 25
an sludge 10
4 In contaminated fines, chips
and turnings 10
- finished 15
Pod 25
Bberby scalps, dezinced 10
tTholy 20
Rods - arc melt . 75
Slugs - arc melt - TS
Derby sawdust before dezincing 20
Metal samples 20
¥¢ Metal samples 20
279 Ingot crops 20
278 Reject slugs 10
2 Th metal powder Original Signed BY 15
Cc R. H. STARKEY
81702 R. H. Starkey,
DF/ajs

cot A. O. Dodd -



dune 8, 1970 :
2117297
THORIUM METAL PRODUCTION HOUSEKEEPING

J. E. Beckelneimer
K. A. Ross

Inspection of the thorium metél an facilities curing

i, Probably the worst hé
is the Ball Mill.

n in the facility
excessively at

2 Plot practically every, pkzontel surfaces have
Pk @ thick covering peration, this dust decomes
any airborne and a¢@s & from the leaks.

nAs/ inadegitkte and there is no proper
way placea under the largest leak to
Jet.aust. This is not adequate. It
Eng raring Division be requested to

is recommenied that & 5
inspect the Bal) ll and sociated equipment snd recommend
methous-o iB both the dust problem and the house-

of removing the calcined ThF, and
3, the stack of trays is left stand-
d—néarjthe south annex door. The door is
) 4n cooling the trays. The wind coming
yd the Goor blows the loose powder from the trays
péads it generously through the annex. Removing

mm the support requires heavy effort and this
‘@ powder to be spread by the wind. It is
that this stack of trays be put inside the
sed for grinding, weighing, and blending their
if faster cooling is necessary, a ventilated
ure could be built there. It is suggested that a
cf removing the central pipe from the trays would
e Auch less effort and cause less airborne dust.

help contain the sp.

Frompt cleanup of ali soills is the keystone of good house-
keeping. In every inspection, it has been noticed that thorium

037428



betwrarewee  -

thorium nitrate. Some of the thorium tefinery feed has been thorium nitrate

solution recovered from irradiated thorium reactor cores, and some has

been metallic or oxide residues of process operations. The residue

materials were dissolved in nitric acid prior to the

The refined thorium nitrate solution was either sh

to Mallinckrodt, Weldon Spring, Mo., du

Oliio. The powder was shipped to Hanford for

This operation continued little over two years

ich of thorium metal was resumed at the FMPC in mid-1969 at

a lowetpeéduction rate than in 1935-56, but using a very similar process

route. The aqueous precipitation of ThF,4 was revived, using plastic
4is dehydrated at

equipment to avoid corrosion. The partly dried ThE.



HATIGHAL LEAD COMPANY GF ORTO
April 11, 1963

Levon

Mr. C. L. Karl, Area Manager : 2117328
U. 8. Atomic Buergy Comission

P. 0. Box 59188 . :

Cinciznsti,39, Chic

SUBJECT: | THORTUMN OPERATIONS AT BLO ~ PRESEST

Reference: Letter, C. L. Karl to J. 3
Tornings at Sylvenie”, de

Dear Mr. Kerl:

ty of

In view of the recent request vy Syleor quanti:
Satire facility, the

thorius turaings to PPC for.c
extire thorium operation has bée

While developing the shipp) infdr:
A dasic problen exists dad xast j salted.)
The solution decided upon

determine just what should Do dode with the turnings at Syleer. Sus
marised below ere the pringip one4

sents no mor.
qo Plant 6 does.

i additional 20,000 pounds of thorium turnings wiil
months to the schedule. ‘To continue an already unsstis-

5. Fire and sefety basards edd to the problem. The roof over the
furnace is not fire-proef, and should be.

OFFICIAL USE ONLY ~



SUBJECT THORIUM NOG

; NATIONAL LEAD COMPANY OF OHIO :

CINCINNATI 39, OHIO
2236848

Suly 6, 2964

TO J. A. Quigley, M.D.

FROM R. H. Starkey

REFERENCE
This is to confirm our discuss: KR. C. Heatherton
concerning a NCG for thorium wle about by increased
processing of thorium at the ss woposals for further
increases.

NBS Handbook #69 - "Maxi stmi tsi bls Body Burdens and
Maximum Permissible Conc ions \o: gdionuclides in Air
and in Water for Occppabionas sure” contains two maximun
Perm cbbbee concentxvat; um, one in the table
2x10~+“uc/ee) alghe. ¥ sher madgonuclides, and one in

the. subseript (3x1 The’following statement is

"Provisional values Aor and Th-nat. Although calculations
orim suggest that Th-nat is perhaps as :
B dicate the values listed above, industrial
p $ suggested that the hazard of Th-nat is
Q an that of U-nat. The NCRP has recognized
pd\of time may be required for adjistment
mpiy with new recommendations. Therefore,
gtigation the values (MPC)a=3x107tipec/ce
eek and (MPC)a=10-lipc/ce for continuous
posure (168 hr/wk} are- recommended as permissible -
Sglues are essentially those that have been
m this country (Federal Register 1957}. However,
yén in Table 1 are listed to indicate the possibility
évidence mey require lower values and to urge
hat exposure levels of Th-nat be kept as low as is
possible. The exception indicated here applies
¥PC)a values for Th-nat and Th?32."

:c/ec value for a hO-hour week is equivalent to

- For 2 )B-hour week this would be 110 a d/m/M3

end for a S6-hour week it would be 95 a ~ The 2x10~l2yc/ec
listed in the table would be only 9 a d/ . This MPC would

be virtually impossible to achieve in en operation of the type
being carried out and proposed_st the FMPC. Aliso the above
statement recommends the 3x10- fee value on the basis that
industrial experience to dete suggests that it is still a safe
concentretion for a 40-hour work week. -


Page 2

Conclusion: ‘There is possibly sone dgree of urinary
damage associated with uraniun hexafluoride inhalation.
It cceurs on very brief exposure and is apparently
moderatdy persistent. Known exposures should be
carefully observed for renel damage in ell institutions
using this compound. Careful records over a perio of
years shonlé be kept on the men exposed to this conm-~
pound since little is yet Ynown of its human toxicity
and its chronic effects.

Summary: Seventeen men were exposed to uranium
hexafluroide. 100% showed urinary cauage- There nave
been some suggestive findings 4n other organs, notadly
mucus membranes of the-eyes, following uranium hexe-
fluoride exposure, but no mention other than this was. _
made in this report. Careful observation of known
exposures should be carried out.



fo wep Ape. RUSSO SE

Ty

{(b) New dust collection facilities incorserating a wet
scrubber shal: be sroviced as a permanent instaliation.
New duct work shall be instaileé from the furnace to

tne scrubber. & recirculating tank and fume snail ce

-oGtained from excess property and led in con-
Junetion with the seruober.
(c) A single Slapper type charge
for furnace charging.
from the skip hoist.

(a) A power driven skip hofgt si

the work table 8 harge into the
sist of two parallel
strands of doby poh conveyor chain (to enable carry-
ing the charge na vertical position} and shall

be powered b variad speed reversing drive. The

e ahd supporting members shall be of structural

he start button. The hoist will carry the

4p to the furnace, actuate a limit switch. and
Stop “with the charge in the charging station located
apove the valve opening. At the same time, the unloading
air cylinder will be actuated to mechanically push the
packaged charge from the cradle and simultaneously open

the flapper of the charge valve. A time delay will



; =3-

The oxidation of these thoriua residues will improve house-
keeping conditions through the elimination of leaking o11
used for covering chips, turnings, etc. Purthermore, the
oxidation of this waterial will greatly/regwte the individual
drum inventory because the oxide is of er de: ty than
are turnings, chips, and the lie

The reduction of drum inventor4 se more storage
pad area to the Special Prod

R qr storage of enriched

residues.
The thorium residues v proc¥ssed in this furnace
total approximate: ompist of the following:
&®. Turnings -\eppredipetely 6 2000 pounds, net
b. Grinder Slugge - imately 14,000 pounds,

Bt - Pproximately 63,000 pounds, net
weight

approximately 17,000 pounds,
weight.

quantity of pyrophoric residues in 1, 300

is now in storage.

e¥ion of the oxidation of the thorium residues,
gi to take about six months, this furnace will be
and made available for the campaigning of other

Pyrophoric materials, parc iculariy those which would require
& special Accountability campaign.

B3b800u


cS, os Pater

November 34, 1960 L

SURJECE AIR DUST EVALUATION OP THOREI SIRRACE OPERATIONS, PLANE 6

we

"BEST COPY AVAILABLE

Je 5. Carvitti

KN. Ross

capresty, Th
operstdons De nde to detemaine xy

until a nsu cir dust
the Mac.



ARIPO aE

GFFICIAL USE ONL” = 760758

+4}
NATIONAL LEAD COMPANY OF OHIO ga

Mr. C. L. Kari, Area Manager
U. S. Atomic Energy Commission

P. O. Box 39188
Cincinnati 39, Ohio.

SUBJECT: Thorium Turnings
ee
Dear Mr. Kari:

This is in reference to/yd} que ‘ebréary 20, 1963 to supply Sylcor
with instructions for/Shippi godspounds of thorium metal turnings to

‘We should like to call ty yout attention that the furnace in Plant 6 used for
the burning of thorium is Rgt® satisfactory installation. Approximately

th ad Safety group recommended that the

@n following the consumption of the thorium

§ hagard bécause of the ‘type of-roof over: the
of its location near_the center of a valuable building.
2 hazard in exposure of operating personnel to air-
Gast. ‘The MAC which we have been using for thorium
y 20 times that presently recommended by the National
Sdiation Protection. The Committee in 1959 gave a pro-
va éf about two times the MAC but urged that the exposure of
$ 1 to’natural thorium be kept as low as operationally possible.
Precautions, such as a low rate of burning, the use of respirators, and
the)rofation of personnel, have been taken by NLO in the processing to
le, / However we feel very strongly that it is unwise to process in the
egent facility beyond the time required: for materials presently at hand.
Gs will be about July 1, 1963. The Syicor turnings can not be included
and meet this date. .

guz01i® = OFFICIAL USE CHLY

A PRIME CONTRACTOR FOR THE U.S. ATOMIC ENERSY COMMISSION


Seana aed

PROJECT PROPOSAL

A. PROPOSAL NUMBER
: CP+59-79

B. ‘TYTLE OF PROJECT - _
Sludge Furnace Alterations for Oxidation o
Thorium Residues - Plant 6

c. DATE

October 20, 1959

D. DISCUSSION AND JUSTIFICATION
1. Problem
The metal oxidation 42. fare not available,
due to the lack lated du val syatems, for the

@ Procesaing of pyro dum residues such as sludges,

chips or turnings.
such mater: ro ioe d here, and more is received
from tig ime from other sites. Stockpiling of these

reates handling and storage problems

@ considerable inventory of

pag four years there have been 30 known fires
Kolorssrn, some of which burned for several days.
pter these fires is a difficult job. In one case,
the e burned through @ concrete storage pad. storage of
is on soil resulted in a worse situation, when &
fire contaminated a considerable area, and much stone and

dirt had to be removed. As long as these residues are in

1358002


PILOT PLANT ANNEX

Ho. a-d/a/a?
Description . Samp. High low
Operator removes ThF;, from 4 720 8 3hO

blender by placing a five-galion
can under the blender and turns
a@ valve. When the cen gets half
full, the operator removes it
from under the blender and dumps
it into a 10-gallon can located
on the scale. Average face
velocity at blender 300 fpm
only ventilation at the s
2 Hoffman vacuum hose. Re
worn.

Sampling pump located
west of the semicontinu
reduction enclosuré>
pot holder and ald, th
it are lifted from &

furnace pot led
lecation to _<
open.

Sampling pump
east of the sem
reduction encigsure

Sai ted “inside 3 530 «140
continuous reduction
e ure between the twin
and turdevant Mill.

2100 «+1200

3 520 «6290

REDUCTION AREA

utting empty furnace 2 220 ©0120
te jolter. Respirator worn.

or removing mgFe from 55- 6 3150 450
drum. Respirator worn: .
ventilation.

Operator dumping five-gallon can 4 5800 11:
of mgFe into furnsce pot located 9°
in the jolter. Average face

velocity 200 fpm. Respirator

worn.

Avg.

1633

423

170

1729

we
gf

3

11

vl

at


Thorium Metal Production Housekeeping Page 2
J. E. Beckeiheimer
Jane 8, 1970

containing msterial was spilled in sany locations. Some
of these repeated spill locations are the drying pan un-
loading station, the drying pan carts, .

the bottom of the blending enclosure, #
the entrance to the furnace room when
derbies from their holders, the top dec}
the Th?, grinding enclosure and arga_s'

veen founc to decrease the nba
used to prevent a long d re the operator

i sponsible for that
by’ alert and insist

xt operator or shift

area's cleanliness.
that each area be c
moves in.



la

. NATIONAL LEAD COMPANY +
OF. OMe \

ad P:0, BOX 18S, MT, HEALTHY STATION

a4 CINCINNATI ‘31. Gi December 9 1¢52

/ORT O8 OVEREXPOSURES
DR. J. A. QUIGLEY
DR. WM. A. MCCLELLAN

223211

During August and September 1652, seventeen man were known

to be directly exposed to uranium hexaflucride in varying
amounts while working in the Pilot Plant. The exposures
were uniformly of short duration. As closely as we can

determine, flood conditions were not present, but in

two instances there were relatively heavy acute exposures. oo

In view of the toxicity found in the Rochestér radiation
experiments. and chronic toxicity found at Harshaw, these

men have been-studied for possible renal Gamage. This
was not a controlled condition but an actusl on-the-jod
eccurrence and consequently the findines will depend on
the cooperation of the men and the necessity of going
ahead with production without lowering of morale. The
findings are open to criticism in several respects, in
my estimateion; one of the most serious being, rectal
examinations to check for prostatis have not been done
on these men.

The criteria we have used:

i. Known exposures to uranium hexafluoride,

2, Urinary findings, in most instances possibly
indicative of renel damage, and in some cases,
certainly indicative of renal damage where no

, findings previously existed. ss 7

3. Recovery of uraniun from the urine,

The men in the September exposure had a physical
examination of their hearts, lungs, abdomen and meus

membranes within en hour after their exposure. Urinalysis
were started on the day of exposure and have been continuec
as long as any renal damage has been shown. Of the seventeen

men in the two exposures there has been only one mar with

any initial pathological Urinary findings and all seventeen

men have shown some abnormal urinary findings et some tine

within nine weeks following exposure. -

F/u 0401

PEIN Nc.


@ STRAL PIMMGY 2° DNVENTINY G? THAIN tae 7

PLN. xcCreery
September 28, 1562

Ve 202-2003 run #2 22 sounds erty pieces hich
"#2 7 serreded

Correded briquettes

: the assay of this material should be less than
Ags This meterial was redramed.

‘Type 22h: this ssterial ts intact and consists of manber of senple
@ Memeo L drum Kot weighed “|

Type 226: Delete = This usterial wes in sn acid or organic solution and
_ was-being neutralised with dolomite. Many of the stainless
steel drum were lsaking and the material in these dram has

ao ON tee


wr

at

CENTRAL PALES

Dececber 13, 1960

AiR, DOSE NUALDATION OF CLAMMING AN RATAN ROCHOEL, SINE, we

B. Js tigin

Ha ill

‘| | fais i i

li il nll

id t ya

i | i i i
ida ta

iti tis Ae ou he

Bat

BEST COPY AVAILABLE

3110893

2627815


/ supae- Lore .
. NATIONAL LEAD COMPANY
OF CHIO

MT. HEAL Pan

@ CINCINNATI 31, OHIO. i¢

way 29, 1953
SUBJECT : .
Air Dust Samples - Pilot Plant 212
To 4475
J. Oo. Davis
FROM,
R. C. Heatherton
REFERENCE
‘The following is s tabulation of some recently collected air
dust samples in the Pilot Plant.
3013 Area
No. of Resuits (4/a/%3)
Description Samples High Low avg. XM
BZ Operator dumping 2 38,500 1,112 15,400 ( 220 )
ore to hopper
3620 Ares :
BZ Maintenance men 9 22,600 322 2 TOO Gas)
@ removing micro
. dust collector bags

BZ Removing and breaking 4 18,588 81 ',800
up carbon rods

BZ Cleaning Adams filter 5 R903 306 2,880 (2)
with wire brush and .

scrapper. . .

Resoving UPR OF 1 : woh 549

collector in off

While some of ie: tions were reported in the recently
issued Pilot Plant Study #1 othere were not included in that


NATIONAL LEAD COMPANY
crome =. 2/28/65

“MAJOR INSCRY #2

DAZE

February 14, 1966
222

Ssko an.

DERARRENS
Technécal - Pilot Plent

ess /
UPg Veporisation Pactiity, North side of Pilot Plant Batldéing

Beehi:+4

The ivhaletion of tg

EQUEPMENT IBVOLVED ©

UF, Cylinder

FXEE_OF ACCIDENT

Contest with noxiour substances

& cheniceal operator was exposed to @ sericus releaso of UF, vapore
While attexpting to start up tho UF, vaporization system pricr to
the day's operation. The employee was given emergency treatrent
on site and then trensferred to 4 local hospital. It is expected
that he will be released from the hospital soon end will probably
be able to report to work the week of February 20. A comuittec,
selected by ths A.z.C., bas been dirssted te investigate the nature
ef this releass. .

@

check the rules — they‘re safety tools

BEST COPY AVAILABLE a

Q1A77Q0A


4“

: S/ ._susszer. rasmus pacerssinc AT MEE ; vu TNTTO
7 . 1! id

File *#Z pe he

J. 0. Davis ys AY

Thorium processing was initiated at FMPC in mid-1954, The first

21594

operations consisted of precipitating Thr, fi ‘eous solution by

adding HF solution to thorium nitrate solution. \The was filtered
and dried with hot air in a rotasy i 4 Was thixed with
purchased anhydrous ZnCl2 and pa:

high purity, and the tTMmixture firgd

ium metal, both of special
ty-lined steel vessel to give

le slag. The regulus was

vacuum and poured into‘; get mold. The "wet Ths precipitation

process was soon aband, Be of excessive corrosion. The ThF4 .
was then mad wh the fall of 1934, by (1) precipitating thorium

ion of oxalic acid to thorium nitrate solution, (2) filtering

oxalate by 4

and dying ss te, (3) roasting the oxalate in a Totary calciner

¥ to thorium oxide, (4) hydroflucrinating the thorium oxide

at
2d
‘ThE4) by contact with anhydrous HF in 2 ribbon-screw
7
e.
Zn regulus and dezincing continued as Previously
descr 4, The vacuum-inductioa crucible melting and ingot Casting process
7 on
was replaced by a consumable electrode electric-arc melting process early
mi

in 1955. The deziaced thoriun regnlus was sawed into pieces which were

welded together to make an electrode rod. Are omelting this rod gave a



je Pt ths wareed

weES
/ CoV’ Hovenver 19, 90a] 3/70

AIR DUST CONCENTRATIONS IN THE PILOT PLANT THORIUM PROCESS

KM. W. Boback
. K. H. Ross

Tne attached table contains ev; gs ancentrations
. of all thorium metal produgt: @ 2} Nation pled during
t the 1970 campaign. The aus oycentration data has been

arranged to follow the
few air dust sample res’ : edare new. These new
results did not saterially change th

The totel caps: 8 ting equipment exceeds
pute ‘apoears if this. _
to ven te properly designed equip-

‘designed hoods, these air dust levels

pe No. - a-d/a/e
Sample Descriptip Sap. Hii low Avg. X-
cA g. pump located four feet 3 150 x 93 “7
f Th, Precipitation tank - eee
tank is venti-
per. North door
pump located four feet 3B 200 40 127 12

} precipitation tank
4 The tank is venti-
‘a scrubber. Sopth coor

Operator scoops Thr, from west , 3 9800 3300 6833 6€

dd dumps it into the Pitzmill.
After the pan is full, the
operator removes the pan and

\ places it on a portable

SD: ‘WOrR. wentiletion.

“wo aa



Air Dust Concentrations in the Pilot Plant Thorium Process

——~ H.W. Boback
November 19, 1970 Page 7
6 . DUST COLLECTORS
Collector . Exhaust
Plant Sumber Remarks Airflow Location
PLP, 37-5011 . 7,000 CPM Outside, north side of ple
P.P. T35-13-7042 "7,000 CEM Outside, south side of pla!

PLP. 735-13-7050 16,000 CFM southeast corner.

PLP. 1068k3 7200
P.P. 5-934

northwest corner.

P.P. G-20-20

KER/jm

ce:P. G. DeFazio - A‘
W. J. Adaws


meer or

i pee past Concentrations 3m we Fr2ive rimny suursum fruvcee
. . M. W. Boback
4 November 19, 1970 Page 3
: : —wEr-AREA
a
Type Ko. a-d/n/a?
Sample _ Description Samp. High low Avg. X-!
BZ Operator removing ThF, from 3 4400 © 170 1890 1q
drying pans with a metal scoop
and dumping into a retort pan
enclosure.
Worth
BZ Operator removing ToFy from a 3600 2500 2967 30
l-gallon can with @ plastic
scoop and dumps it into an
empty retort pen inside the
ventilated enclosure. Resp:
worn. North door open.
Bz Operator takes full re 100,600 3000 29,300 293
of THR, from ventilatey en
and places on retort pak ho:
Respirator worn.
GA 5800 4700 5166 5.
~ GA 4300 1900 2380 23
PLANT ANNEX ;
BZ 4hoo | =—410 1117 un

@

ox. Average face velocity
y above mill 1000 fpa.
the dropout of the mill, 350

. Ventilation was not used
% the dlender. Respirator worn.



A Rieter

®

primarv ingot which was rough machined to remove surface impurities and

are omelted a second time to give 2 secondary ingot which was surface-
machined for clean-up. . This product ingot was shipped off-site (Adrian,
Mich.) for extrusion to rods. and returned to FMPC for finish mactining
to product "sings" which were shipped to DuPont, Savannah River, for
production operation was

canning and insertion in a nuclear reactor.

concluded in mid-1956.

The large volume of sawdust erated was stored in

drums, some of which ignit storage and burnt up. In
production was abruptly
ng the thorium metal fines
hazard of spontaneous ignition.

dr 3-1/2 years, to mid-1963,-and produced an

« drummed and stored for later recovery qs

faonth campaign, May to September 1964, some 30 tons of

idues, mostly chips, powder and massive metal,

w4% vacuum furnace in 2n induction-heated, coated graphite

omn~-poured into an ingot mold, The ingots were machined

hot-extruded to rods at RMI, Ashtabula, Ohio and shipped to

DpbPgnt, Savannah River, for further fabrication and eventual reactor use.

The AEC supply of pure thorimm nitrate was exhaused by Januazy, 1965,

so 2 thorium refining operation wes started in existing solvent-extzaction

equipment in the FMPC Pilot Plant at that time. This operation has conti:
since then, with a variety of feed matesials, mostly impute exystaline



. / vy Health Protection Aspects of Thorium Production Page 3
i ____________R.._C_Heatherton.

March 8, 1976

(2) During the Bettis operation, the concept of
keeping exposures as low es possible was not
given high priority. Clean-up occurred when

- the production schedule permitted and, as a
result, there were times when the filter press
~area and canning hood were coated with dust.
You may recall that at one po B
sentatives questioned if heaf
would interfere with the produ
They did not ask that question
imowledge of thorium intaki
because the ares 100!

(3) According tc the”

likely that the tho
Geposition of thor

‘coring and canning of Bettis thorium
times and could have been cleaner with
onto ing and: the use of con-

Gone for future thorium work? Control
gid be put in good order. Procedures should
ved needed, so that operators will not impro-—
ns /or/movements which increase their exposure.
< ty should monitor, a8 we intend to do. And
baqa schedule of in vivo monitoring be carried out
final determination of deposition levels.

r 3 duction in exposure levels could be made by having
How » reductions are not guaranteed by such changes
because of the tendency to use equipment in a manner other
than that intended by the designer.

037387

design equipment improvements for that purpose.


OFFICIAL USE ONLY

April 19, 1972

REFINERY URANIUM EXPOSURES
8. F. audia —
J. A. Qaighey, M.D.

During January, Refinery personnel were scheduled to submit
&@ quarterly urine sample for uranium analysis. When the
first samples were analysed it became clear that there had
been prolonged expesures.*e high concentrations of airborne
uranium. the ‘ached summary, conclusions are given
regarding the sources. Recommendations are made to avoid
the recurrence of such unacceptadle exposures.

‘Te exposure conditions have continued despite abatement
efforts made so far. During the week of April 10, fresh
layers of Gust were noted around the north side screw con-
weyor anc one drum dumper operator was ovserved without a
respirator. In view of anticipated Refinery operations,
these exposures and possible corrective measures are
matters of major concern.

Ortginat signed ty
J. A. QUICLEY, 5. 0./ROH
Dir, of Hiesith & Satety

J. A. Quigley, M.D.

0 gaBsere
attach.

co: W. J. Adams
J. E. Beckelneimer
P. G. DeFazio - w/o printout
A. F. Pennak - w/o printout

Kredidi de Ballpbetl, S1if re
Partiswnd Sp Hows —~ F/SA7E

2712447 3481864
PE 15)]—


HATIONAL LEAD COMPANY
. OF ORIO
CINCINNATI 39, OHTO

warch 22, 1961 CENTRAL FHEe

SUBJECT: ATTACHED REPORT-AIR DUST EVALUATION OF PILOT PLANT REDUCTION
AND BREAKOUT OPERATIONS 4

le joe Bipot -
To: J. 0. Davis . tee wre
. ato Mi
FROM: R.-H. Starkey GY

Mt

The attached air dust evaluetion shows most operetions in the
Pilot Plant. Metallargical Area are potential sources of air

dust exposure. Recommendations for alleviating these con~
ditions are included.

Because of the temporary nature of many Pilot Plant operetions, ~
ventilation and enclosures are often makeshift since time and
economics do not allow proper design.

5 + This is not the case in the Metallurgical Area. The ecuvipment
. in this ares appears to be at least semi-permanent and deserves
property designed enclosures and adequate ventiletion. It is
@ recommended that the Engineering Division and/or the Fume and
. Dust Control Committee be contacted in regard to this matter

and permanent ventilation for these operations be procured with
their assistance,

In this evaluation, it is mentioned that respirators are not
worn while performing operations that require respirators

L according to NICO 668 "SOP For Pilot Plant Metallurgical Area
: Reduction to Metal. of Fariched UFj, Con’ 235",
“Tt is recommended that these violations of investigated
and the proper action taken by Pilot Plant supervision to pre-
% vent their future occurrence.

R, H. Starkey

corny

BEST COPY AVAILABLE 2537767 3110799


SIRO EET ERD ETRE EN OE IE FN OEE

AIR DUST EVALUATION OF THORTUA FURNACE OPERATIONS, PLANE 6 Page 2
kK. N. Ross
Novenber 14, 1960

and a report submitted.

hel

RR.
RNMebg

BEST COPY AVAILABLE
3110906


sf e> 2184719 SRIAL-TYPE CODE

201
202
203

203

206
207

210

Rev. errective 7-1-5)

. ‘THORIUM
—_—
rar (solid) g> Contam. 2001
2 Sawiust, arc melt from areas MCar

ThF,, white salt
Derbies, dezinced
Ingots, induction welt

253 Solid scrap-arc melt from rolling

and extrusion
25h ThCl,, thorium tetractiloride

Rods, induction welt :
Slugs, induction welt 255 Briguetts, induction melt
Solfa scrap - induction welt ngetsy, arc melt

Ingot crops
Turnings, induction melt, (norbrigetizble)

Briquettes, src melt

Metal bigh in impurities, 4nduction melt R ace salt

Graphite - carbon scrap x0 pheyjoil, etc.

Ceramics before dezincing

Sweepings ngs > welt, nonbriquettable
al high in impurities, arc melt

Contam. cloth ‘
Sump cake plus F or el tal samples, induction welt; ingot

Sawtinst, induction welt, from areas 1, @or! apa, rods
C-liner 56 bsamples, arc welt; ingots, roc

Contam. zine f metal samples, dezinced
Grinder sludge - reacted - sludg metal samples, non-dezinced

Ingot crops, arc melt, primary
Ingot crops, arc melt, secondary

Eggs
Oil - soluble - coolant
Serubber Liquors

Breziliau sludge

Sump cake, no F or Cl 273 Dezinced derby pieces, remeLtable
TNT (liquid)
Contam. wood and peper
Rolling sludge AREAS
Contaw. B20
nt

Contam. steel,
Contam. soil, 6
Contan. glass

Are Melt Casting
Reduction

Machining

Induction Melt Casting
Fluoride (THF)

FRAO

Derby scalps, dezinced

Partially oxidized wetal + metal X
Contan. line

Solié scrap - arc welt

High Th C-liner - bad reduction


@

@

aa

Mx. H. Doran Fletcher, Director
Uranium Enrichment Operations Division
Department of Energy

Oak Ridge Operations Office
P. 0. Box E

Oak Ridge, Tennessee 37830

Dear Mr, Fletcher:

PE 5Y}



Fe

a

r ) MEETING HELD ON MARCH 10, 1970, fO DISCUSS CUTTING Page 2
_ Gp OP THORIUM DERBIES in PLANT 6
Memo’ to Files
March 10, i970

ad. Provision of Screening Facilities for Remove! of the
S c= CCLO“

Bob Mode was given the assignment to prepare & preliminary
design and estimate of cost and time ed in making
these modifications.

3. SOP Preperation
ee

It was agreed that C. Beer and S. re the SOP
as soon as possible.

4. Braining of Overstors
It was agreed that S. Samoriga ¥ spe he first two operating
days in the area training *hs e B me Phat shift.

(3. 8. Cavendish

OG

penceley

BEST COPY AVAILABLE 308382

of


sprite Naish a

- 4735


~ CENTRAL FILES

NATIONAL LEAD COMPANY

OF OHIO vo A-r- fof
P.O, BOX 158. MT. HEALTHY STATION
CINCINNATH:S1. OHIO. . October 20, 1952
suiect Survey of 3620 Qperations
2
To Cc. Chapman 277985

FROM R, C, Heatherton

In the period from October 8 to October 12, a number of air
dust samples were taken of the 3620 operations in the Pilot
Plant. The results of these samples indicate that operators
are exposed to breathing zone concentrations in the range
from 2 to times the maximm allowable concentration while
perfo: various operations. ocess $i es of the
exhausts of the Lewyt and Invineible vacuum cleaners were
about 1-1/2 times the maximum ellowable concentration.

In addition to high air dust concentrations, there have been
reports of skin irritations from-HF. which is carried on to the
product receivers, and ee the Lewyt vacuum cleaners
caused by an accumulation 0. gen. One of the explosions
was of sufficient force to blow the cleaner apart. a on
to being a safety hazard, it is almost certain that in explosions
of this kind Industrial Hygiene problems are created by the
sudden release of radioactive dust. :

Te is hy Opipien that High atx dust: concentrations; “HF berns --
and hydrogen explosions have resulted from the total inadequacy
of the ventilation which is provided by the Lewyt vacuum
cleaners. The prediction as to their inadequacy was made prior
to their use and I now wish to state that they cannot serve

the purpose for which they were intended in this operation.
Aside from fhe fact that they do not have the capacity which is
needed, the ones being used are installed in a manner that the
maximum benefit from their use cannot be obtained.

It is also my opinion that if we are going to continue the
operation we may be doing something that would seriously affect
the health and safety of workers in the area. On the basis of
this we would recommend that the operation be shut down until
the ventilation which has been provided is installed.

Sud
sz
wn
ad



Kix Bist evels at Thorium Metal Operations
MW. Bobdeck :

(Only Partially Sampled)
BZ Preparing liner naterial at Ball Mill.

This operation involves using a sled
hammer on large pieces of material to
reduce their size so they can go throug!
a jaw crusher. It would de difficu.
ventilate a sledge hammer operation.
is possible that slag liner couid~ne
in size at the breakout statjon
sledging unnecessary. Air 9
still be high, for althoug

and Ball Mill are venti.
leak and cause high air 4
equipment was not designed
radioactive toxic ma
from these pieces of: equd pam
contaminated the «
Ateelf, This is

air pollution whe
or vibration 9

, the cans of charge § —

) outside the influence
This alone should not
levels of this size.

Rll show a smaller sir dust
fy or a reason for the larger one.

pot with ThF,, Zn, and Cg
charged pot.

Gust levels at these operations are caused
by hand operations outside of ventilated
enclosures. In the pot lining atep, the
operator scoops CaPe into a bucket from 2
55-gallon drum, cerries the bucket to the
Jolter and dumps it into the pot. te jolter

637418

October 7, 1970 : Page 3

5-2

3-3

9-7

17


OFFICIAL USE ONLY = = 3

NATIONAL LEAD COMPANY
of Ohio
P. 0. Box 158
Cincinnati 39, Ohio

Nov'11. 1960 7

Mr. C. L. Karl, Area Manager
U. S,. Atomic Energy Commission
P. 0, Box 188

Cincinnati 39, Ohio

SUBJECT: IDEA LETTER - ORE HANDLING (PLANT 1 - PLANT 2)
REVISION 1 _

Dear Mr. Kari:
PROBLEM

Health and Safety Hazard

High levels of airborne contamination indicate that the existing
ore handling ventilation systems in Plants 1 and 2 are inadequate
from a Health and Safety standpoint.

The prime sources of radioactive dust are:

@. ‘Fhe ore sampling station in the Drum Reconditioning
building.

bd. The ore sampling station in Plant 1.
¢. he ore dumping stations in Plant 2.

d. The ore conveying system in Plant 2 which includes both
- the bucket elevators and the horizontal. screw conveyors,

Resvits of the 1959 Plant 1 and Plant 2 air-dust surveys show that
the airborne contamination exceeds the Maximum Allowable Concentra-
tion in both plants.

Operation Location Reading
Pipe Sampling Drum Recond. Bldg. {Elant 2} 20 MAC
Auger Sampling Drum Recond. Bldg. (Plant 1 21 MAC
Auger Sampling Plant 1 5 MAC
Ore Dumping Hot Side Plant 2 15 MAC
Ore Dumping Cold Side Plant 2 11 MAG
Metal Dumping Metal Dissolver Plant 2 4 MAC

OFFICIAL USE ONLY

2650629 3158334


Type 234:

Type 2563

axel was redrimmed, recoded, arid.weighed. The
seit drained veights. This mterial should be

zy
exber 2, ixél

Fad

Tes meteritl was seer

foil wiag lots. - Tus
1£-252 C00, ldrw 1,222 3 Heevy babes

RE-292-015i 1 dran 33¢ Sxali tutes

U-253021 ler=s

1K+253-0301 slugs anc pisces

d to type 285 material.

1d weighed.
K~256. Two pieces of 7* ingots

was recoded to type 2% onterial.

oxidised. Sone of the increase cane from type 268 and

30001 48 drums 9,107 pounds Flat type of turn-
4 ; ing and chips

i Ldrm 64 pounds Foil and thin fists

qhis mteriel was redrumed end weighed, This mtal can be

remelted after degreasing and pickling.  .-

Type 271

3-70-2001 Drm #1 513 pomis Seals
#2. 475 on

98 younis -

‘This uaterial wes redrumed and weighed. This metal can be
romelted after degreasing and pickling. woot


Type 238:

J

TRENTON uP? THEE. Faget

& SEAR AO Tata
?, N, seCrsery
Septenber 28, 1961

grystallized or saited out. There ws 3 definite less of
csazight on tals saver and spprextuctety nine trams (55
gadlen) of liquid TNT leaxsd owt and ss lost so she storm
sever, The m@terial is sing > % to iKk-216-cCC2 ang
will te diseardec to soxe oft ial crea, there vere
167 drass thet were discarded.’

This naterial was leit
ing lets:

from Plant 9 and should.
. . Both remaining lots are in-

‘type 250: ‘This material was redrumed, recoded and me into the fol-

Jot. -Thie moterial wes left intact.
2K-230-001 10 drome 2,061 pounds



SPGOSE SME ATOR SER Se ee

focite. Health Provection Agpects of Thorium Procuctien Page 4

Mareh 8, 1976

We should not overlook ERDA's seriousness in regard to
their ALAP philosophy. Since we know that certain perts
of the thorium operation can easily become dusty, the
production schedule should make allowances for frequent,
specified cleanup. .

037388


Tepe 28h:

Tyre 285:

2903,

Type 291:

Type 293:

Type 295:

1

fron #h | 4bS ponds :

5,222 7OUS

in near

This material was

1X=285-1001

Delete - AS this type raterial was recoded to type 2
etvfor Plant 6. ,

Ail of this type material was recoded to tyre 207
paterial.
of this type material was recoded to type 207,
2b, 263, 276, pit naterial or oxidation feed for Plant 6.
$., . ot) 4a *
felbte -~ ALL of this type material was recoded to type 211,

63, pit material or oxidation feed for Plant 6. -

Delete - All of this type raterial was recoded to tyte 207,
2, 263, pit material or oxidation feed for Plant 6.

Delete - ALL of thia type material was oxidized at Plant 6
or pit material.

Delete - All of this material was recoded to 21, 263, Pit
material or axidation feed for Plant 6.

.

This usterial is being held for historical purposes and con-
sists of thoriun mstel and sone non-estellic sanples. ‘The


wi * Ww ~
NATIONAL LEAD COMPANY ayer $
OF OHIO i> 211980
P.O, BOX 188, MY, HEALTHY STATION
GINGINNAT! 31, OHIO acustlé, 1956

SUBJECT AIR IIVGIENE AT PLANT 2 DUMPING STATIONS

: QGERREAL Pre
TO A. J. Stefanec Hike Tks
FROM Cc, 3. Schumann
REFERENCE

NLO-GEN-698-1 (12-14-55)

0046113 ;

2

Attached are the results of air dust samples collected at the Plant 2
dumping stations from 8/8/56 to 8/15/56, inclusive.

As indicated by these high sample resuits, these stations have recently
been presenting a sezious dust exposure problem, Several attempts have
been made to reduce the air contamination, but none proved satisfactory.
Some of these were: 1) slower dumping, 2) more careful handling of
drums, 3) leaving the door on the dumping station closed for several
seconds after dumping, 4) use of a vacuum hose to clear drun of dust
before removing it from the enclosure, and 5) elinination of the ore
crushers located in the pits beneath the dumping enclosures. Although
a considerable reduction of dust was noted after the crushers wece
eliminated, air contamination was still several times the MAC during
the dumping operations. Obviously there ‘Still exist several sources of
dust which cannot be controlled by changes in operating procedure.

Additional ventilation is needed on ali the enclosures. If possible,
a ventilated tunnel should be installed in front of each enclosure so
that drum dusting can be controlled, Fawlty and leaky equipment in the
pits beneath the dumpers are not only contributing to air contaninetion
Dut are also causing additional personnel exposuxe by the frequent
Cleanouts which are required. Dusing these cleanout periods operating
personnel are being exposed to radiozctive dust concentrations over
_ 1800 times the MAC, Inmediate action should be taken toward modification
fox xepair of this équipment. —~ . :
It has been noted that some operating persounel in these areas @r¢ using
MSA Comfo and Dust-foe respirators. Use of these nechanical filter
respirators is not satisfactory and should be discontinued. Air line
espirators: Should be used at aii times until effective dust controls

are provided.
CL, hehwnsmn ty

c. B. Schumann

PEIN.


: OFFICIAL USE ONLY

NATIONAL LEAD COMPANY

. - ~
of Ohio a)
~ . P. 0. Box 39158 at
. Cincinnati 39, Ohio + 4 yt
. a,
November 16, 1961 c
. SUBJECT: IDEA LETTER - DUST COLLECTION FACILITY FOR UO.
. MILLING AND LOADING STATIONS - PLANT 3 3 CENTRAL FILES
TO: 3. H. Noyes 7 ~ ~
FROM: P, G, DeFazio
PROBLEM:

The U0, milling and loading stations are consistent sources of dust.
The lor contributors are the mills, rotary valves, filling chutes,
and sample stations. Efforts to contain the dust from this equipment
have not been successful. New gasketing, shaft seals, and other minor
changes have reduced the amount of airborne contamination, but not to
the degree required ty the Health & Safety Division. To keep dust
leakage at a minimum, continual maintenance is required.

These dust problems are intensified when the door on the east side of
the Denitration Area is open as the resulting dreft creates air move~
ments which spread the dust to adjacent areas. To control the contam-
ination and to improve the housekeeping, the Fume and Dust Control Com-
mittee has recommended ventilation and/or enclosure of the various dust
sources,

SOLUTION:

Procure and install a dust collector (2,000 CFM) plus the necessary
duct work, hooding, and enclosures to contain dust from the following
Sources: —

1. Hammer mills
2. Rotary valves
3. Sample jar stations

The dust collector 1s to be located on the second «eck, between columns
19 and 20. The orange oxide from the collector discharge is to be
transferred by screw conveyor to surge hopper P35-228.

To eliminate dusting from the hopper filling chutes it is proposed to
install new control valves on the air linea activating the filling
chutes and manual shut-off valves on the discharge ends of the chutes.
At present, the chutes open and close very rapidly, creating a large
amount of dust. Air contrel valves that will allow gradual lifting of
the chutes and shut-off valves that will provide 2 positive seal on the
. chute dis-“—-~—~" ld reduce the air-dust levels to acceptable limits.

"goggs24
OFFICIAL USE ONLY
PE i140


mony tee note

_Air Dust Concentrations in the Pilot Plant Thorium Process _

MW. Boback
November 19, 1970

REDUCTION AREA

Description

Operator removing furnace pot
from jolter. :

Operator removing mandrel from
furnace pot. Respirator worn.
Mo ventilation.

Operator charging ThFy,
into twin shell blender loc:
on platform. Average face
welocity 150 fpm. Resp:
worn.

Operator charging caich
twin shell blender. Av
face velocity 150 fim

platfors.
Q exdeghesna and
n na cal@ium into furnace

twin shell blender.

capping furnace.
tor worn. So ventilation.

tor lidding furnace pot.
spirator worn. Ko ventilation.

Operator putting furnace pot
into Rockwell.
Ho ventilation.

Page 5

a-d/a/e?
igh Tow = Avg. X-
go Ko 62 ke
670 ©1350 333032
26, 760 6970 to
1000-4410 6ho
490-160 33003
230 «150 13 OA
4,250 2700 §=— 9050
21,400 10,000 14,353 14
1930 630 1255 1}

600 250 400

58 42


Page 3

sf: This sateciel ves sede into the following lots. Sone of the
Stonal materiai came from cype 26, 28e and 230 =stertal.
Rul of trese lets sre reselt setz atter plexting and/or



1

OFFICIAL USE CNLY

IDEA “LETTER - DUST COLLECTION FACILITY FOR U03 Page 2
MILLING AND LOADING STATIONS - PLANT #3

J. H. Noyes, Plant Manager
November 16, 1961

JUSTIFICATION:

Reduction of the air-dust levels in the milling and loading ereas is
necessary to minimize exposure of the operating personnel. Listed are
~—— the results -of* two air-dust surveys conducted’ by the Health & Safety
Division, ‘The first survey was made just after the milling and loading
equipment were put in the best possible operating condition by means of
new gasketing and shaft seals.
normal operating conditions.

. Results of Air-Dust Surveys

Type
Breathing Zone
Breathing Zone

General Air

Operation or Area
Changing sample jar : 5.5 29.

Raising and lowering
hopper filling chute

Mill deck (second level) 2.8 -

The second survey was conducted under

i

MAC X_MAC

tad

4.6 -6.5 4.2 - 21.

Installation of the proposed dust collection system and filling chute
revisions will improve the housekeeping in the hopper loading area in
addition to reducing the airborne contamination to below the maximum
allowable concentration.

STATUS OF PROPOSAL:
‘The’ eést of this project is estimated to be $17,300. Funds are available

in Activity 02-01-99 FY 1962 Budget.

LWK:me:1jm

ee:

- F. Audia

. R. Chapman

. R. Harr

. W. Kessler (P-22300-42)
. Martin

- J. Strattman

Contra} FESS

ZMHQAn

. at Meo, Y
P. G, DeFazio, Chdirman
Engineering Committee

APPROVED:

Original Signed By
3. H. NOYES
Plant Manager

J. HT Noyes, Plant Manager

pare:  NOv20 1961

OFFICIAL USE ONLY


Page 2

- Thorium Operation - ‘Pilot Plant
R, H.. Starkey.
- Tuly 17, 1968 -

> The limit for Be in-eir is 2 3 whereas our limit for

> yranium is approximately 67 Bg. . The difference is more

imply one of mumerical comp: sop There is no positive
o naturel uranium.



peer CNV EVAN ABLE

_ Zwe- 23

NATIONAL LEAD COMPANY OF OHIO

—

ceca nea

P.O, BOX 39158 CINCINNATI, OHO 45239

March 19, 1968

pele

Mr. C. L. Karl, Area Manager
Cincinnati Area Office

P. 0. Box 39188

Cincinnati, Ohio 45239

Subject: Request for Authorization to
Inventory to Burial Ground

References: 1. Letter, Noyes to
2. Letter, Karl to
Thorium Residues.

Dear Mr. Kar:

Request No. 115 for Commié
‘thoriua residues from our inven
revised to include additional @
sweepings. The corrected
thorium to be discarded is <

nt bruary 13 (reference 2), our Health and
possibilities for on-site burial as an alterzate
determined that there is sufficient. redium-228

ars. Similarly, caleulations were made to show that
oy supply from e larger well located near the river,
© the MPC level for periods up to 10 years. It was
on-site disposal at this time would be risky and that

He ORNL burial grounds are not available to us for this purpose,
"y Of disposal.in other Comission facilities located a. greater
yi Fernald than the Oak Ridge burial grounds was eliminated because

A PRIME CONTRACTOR Fon THE U.S. ATOMIC EXERGY CommissIO

}

re Soa



thoraea petel ean Se semoved only. ay che agprova’. of

. Cemritsi,

Le -

Bees. cOt i vex 2,262 rounds _fhoriua seta

WeweLcel 4 enc

arter all of the thacriw
“nd weighed, the arez
Yloor sseepiags generated which
was Gisearded te an off site vers

The above inforcation conplete’ 2 skorius inventory. 4n at-
tempt was mace to property ecde’ e is in order that they
zo into the preger class ced Y analyres are avail-
goae apon request; If ¢ about the theriun,
please contact zs.


as

Arr ct 77ers

BEST COPY AVAILABLE

reins

we

FROM R. N. Hedcont

Vir. SOD UNL

CENTRAL FILES”
NATZONAL LEAD CGMPARY

OP GEO . Pawel
Cincinnati 3°, dhio

Roveber 34, 1960

stsyecr AIR DUST EVALUATION OF THORTUN SURMICE OPERATIONS, PANE 6

TO KE. N. Ross

all operations comected with tae thoriur £1
Plant 6. Resclts of the sucvey show that
sampled exceed the MAC of 70 slpho disi
meter of six, These six operations ery

xX mic
1. Sifting Gceums of thorim oxjd 33.0
2. 4.9 :
3. 4.0
4 4.0
5. fe 3.0
Second
6. S 0.8

gies apove cre shorieternmed operations; i.c.,

each per enift, white the other two ere
mkes ench per shif- The operetion of sifting
‘nce per «week, usuaidy on Monday morning vsiic
> furnnce tenperatuse to ixcreese to the propez level.

thet a dust-typs respixatoz tbe worm duting shosc
@ the KAC fez eiwborro xadioagtive dust.

thqrezee was takes c= the exkrust stack ot Nevemrer 6, 1960.
thKt the fon is dezivezine a volume of 5400 cfa with 2 veic
nL which is en efficiency of 64 percent of the cated canacity of

pis indicates thet the fan is thetefore delivering near wast it
to deliver.

In case the ventilation endfor sertbber systets are altered or amy.cpesi~
tional preseduzes are likewise altered. 2 reweveimmtion wilt be conducted

2637822 3110905


:
. ee
ag

’

Zé
— VENTILATION FOR REDRUMMING OF THORIUM RESIDUES 3
+ . S. FP. Audia

November 17, 1965

1. We must redrum this material at its present Location
prior to any handling. :

2. We should investigate burying it. (ABC, at the present

time, believes that it is of suffic value to be
egonomically feasible to process.) earvitti will
investigate burying costs, which include pickup

at the site and burial at the

4.

e-~
w
,

R. Boies will procurement of a drum which
will withstand, jon of this material for long

a s
B bs will design and estimate the cost of a processing
ey hanite-redrumning at the storage pad if it is

1 investigate the cost of processing
idues to determine economic feasibility.

965, J. cavendish, R. Leist, A. F- Pennak and
ed the possibility of processing a homogeneous
c @ll of the thorium residues together. The
wiewing this approach was the mixing which has taken
m the stored residues. Mr. Carvitti has informed us
A true analysis of this material would be by taking
sample from each drum. ‘This would be a time consuming
pe of& and the cost would be prohibitive. mr. Cavendish
and Mr. Leist voiced strong objections to a homogeneous feed
since the chemical separation process is made moch more difficult
. They will investigate the oxalate process proposed
the plant 8 Winle and see if this program would handle
this material as a homogencous feed. At least 30 to 45 days will
3 2h > hy DS_involved to abtain the test samples and collect the nesosesty



/. ae sss VPFPAL USL UNLY

a ; Max 2T, 3960

Pu

CENTRAL FILES

gail

ac
new corrugated, rubber eneloned ehutes resently installed
ie ERS sistas a Towenes fhe" Stosantratben of

The results of this evaluation show that the concentration
Of airderne

Guat has deen lowered; however, the results also
tho What the ai ust level is sill weil above She MAS.

: the dr Quast dt
é) cory a LTE SD LT bord
-@ ” _ REBVIOUL sumer (Deosaber, 1959)
: ‘tration-a
Zrve smple possrizaicn a a By
. “BX Changing juice hoppers 2866 gk35
. - GA Phrst level is generai 2
2. j $igintty of jutes ines ;
| ae (s)
< BS @peretor shanging #701 = 3813 2056
. le
-° Fitted Ser doe regifeins .

EH
E
E
8
i

OFF.TL33
. 2aN4 .

BEST COPY AVAILABLE

oe

2637664

3110981


Air Dust Levels at Thoriun Metal Operétions - wen

% ¥. Bobac!
October 7, 1970 Page 5
eg
This operation is ventilated only -above the 3.7

sav blade. High air dust concentrations are
known to be caused by moving derbies and
pieces on the saw table and s ng-dexrby pieces.
Fires in the fines under the saw ay oe

source of air dust. The use of cop
operation would greatly reduce the
concentrations caused by it. Vent.
the saw table and in particu bh
stamping is done would a

OFFICIAL USE ONLY

027426


ren Cs

NATIONAL LEAD COMPANY OF OHIO

CINCINNATE, OHIO 45739

September 26, 1966

BeO ATR DUST EVALUATION OF PLASMA FLAME SPRAY FACILITY -

SUBJECT

PILOT PLANT
Te R. H. Starkey
FROM R. -L. Bipes
REFERENCE

An air dust survey was conducted
flame spray facility while coat:
The actual coating operation
atmosphere. here was a poterx
operator when placing Bed
interior of the spray chamké
on the flame spray gun.

The following table summa Of data which
was collected,

of Results
. Date Sample 1g Bo/m? X TLVe
\/
 ) 3/21/66 GA fnile coating crucibles in
an inert atmosphere 0.0K 0.02
3/21/66 BZ e loading feeder and
géning interior of
spray facility 13.8 6.9
3/22/ GA 1 While cleaning interior
“ee Ny of spray facility 0.55 0.28
66\ BZ While cleaning interior.
of spray facility and
removing insulation from
gun 11.8 5.9
1 While cleaning plasma
spray gun 4.0 2.0
. L While cleaning plasma
spray gun 15.3 76T

Since the air dust survey was conducted, a portable ventilation

OFFICIAL USE CNLY

2608839



(®@

% V. Bedack
Oetoder 7, 3970 - Page

& 8

4s ventilated but the small amount of
ventilation here is not enough to contain
the dust generated by this action. The
bucket loading and carrying is, of course,
not ventilated.

tamp and compact the charge.
done at least once per char;

The capping operation Qid
final addition ef charge zi

charge station

Removing dezinced
Outeide Plasee

levelTMduring this operation
Spr The dezinced derby is
the “graphite pot to the floor.
of pot-is coated with Th0s

pot. The ventilation at this
plentifal but probably the enclosure
fg>could be improved.

evels at this same operation when the
on was left off by mistake showed a

ust concentration of 1262 NCG and area
entrations of 157 CG. .

(Partial Sampling Only)

Sewing derbies, loading and uniosding 159
sau, stamping derby pieces and semples.

Saw area. 3-7

037419


2 ie mb ah

NATIONAL LEAD COMPANZ
- OF OHIO

March 10, 1970

MEETING HELD ON MARCH 10. 1970, TO DISCUSS CUTTING
SUBJECT: UP OF THORIGM DERBIES IN PLANT 6

TO: Memo to Files

FROM: J. H. Cavendish

A meeting was held on March 10, 1970, tp”ai®

thorium derbies in Plant 6. J. L. Bu on K.
C. R. Armstrong, K. N. Ross. S. 0. Sa a
attended the meeting.

Items discussed were:

1. Health and Safety
Airborne Contemination
Zits of air samples taken
e auring the tes indicated that the level
: of activity direttly ar wes 2000 d/m/m>, Ate |

the shear, the levél was 600 d/m/m®.

Since the maximum elhqwakle concentration 1s 100 a/n/m>, it
is concluded that/went n and/or wearing of respirators
ne} wi e nedeésary.

that it was Health and Safety's recom—-

method be provided for mechanically holding

2 ¢ during the cutting operation. Holding of

ses byte operator in his hand would not be permitted.

‘elt that some form of tongs would pe best for this
éSpise indicated that better lighting in the area

ofision for adequate ventilation to reduce the activity level
bEiow the 100 pom maximum was felt to be required. This should

cv. Improvement of Lighting in the Area
@ c, Provision of an Argon Station

RFST CNPY AVANT ABLE 2629744 208382


mate poxed, recoded ert mde into the follow-
remlt mal after pickling.

Type 276: This
Ang lot: good
Gh n a Clean "C* slugs



Air Dust Concentrations in the Pilot Plant Thorium Process

M. W. Boback—
_ Hovember 13, 1970 Pase 2 —
@ oo WET_AREA
Type No. a-d/m fn?
Sanole Descriction . Semz. High Avs. X-Nl
CA Semplin, oum. losete: five fect = ax E57 2S
east of the west filter box area.
Somolin, sumy locates teo feet In piard h
west of the west filter box
eree.
BZ Operator shovels wet thorium &:O 670 G7

filtrate sake from filter bo
and dumos it into an empty 2
vrium which hes @ 7146

ake x 1307) 13.6
-£210N IPM Vita ve
anc ‘dens if in
wnen the trays ere

Nor tx oor oh
a 13 RL 4

GA Semviin:, ume .o at? est of

W-F tank while, thers

was beIne oa
cA Sey 2 joretes four feet : 7% ak 33 4

we: he east wail

MA

> glyvrr 23,°72 38,906 19

vor removes fuli pans of 3 4b00 3
m’ from ovens an. claces theo
Dortabie cart an’ transorts
nem to ventilated enclosure-
Samphing puap locetes six feet z i st 210 lL

south of dryins ovens #5 an: 0. “
West scor open. No ventilation. .


. CORRAL PLES
@ we WE verud
-f

Mactenkic t,/ 960 rgedel
AIR DUST EVALUATION OF HOFFMAN DRUMMING STATION - PLANT IT
G. RK. Harr .
K. X. Ross er

: weyf6e ae
pr ieee

B The attached air dust evaluation was made because

. samples taken during the Piant 2 Complete In-Plant sir
Dust Survey showed the air dust levels while operating
thia station to be 45 X MAC. It is thought that this
level is of sufficit€nt magnitade to be brought to your
immediate attention. The installation of the new dump-
ang station under the Idea Letter “Ore Handling (Plant
1 @ 2)" should alleviate this high air dust level. Vatil
this installation is complete and ea re-evaluation shows
the aiz dust levels to be considerably lower a full-face
adr supplied respirator is recommended.

wae

ORIGINAL SIGNID BY
-@ K. N. Ross

Attach:
oc: R. H. Starkey
3. ¥. Wing
eres Central File

XXRimmh

|. PEIYSe
2627812 . : 3110887


H. ESTIMATED TIME REQUIREMENTS (Cont'd)

Start Pinish

2. Procurement (Pur- 5 wks. after approval 8 wks. after approval

chase Crders)

3. Equipment Delivery 12 wks. after appt
4. Installation 16 wks. after appnova

I. STATEMENT OF METHODS BY WHICH Ww
Ll. The design and procurement

of Ohio.

2. The installation wil

basis.

J. SPECIAL CONDITIONS

None,

Costs will be charged as | follows:
$23,000

6,000

$29,000

2358809

fi 16 wks. after approval


OFFICIAL USE ONLY

IDEA LEY?PER - ORE HANDLING (PLANT 1 - PLANT 2} Page 2
REVISION 1 7
Me. C. L. Karl, Area Manager .

These high dust levels would result in Daily Weighted Exposures

of 3.0 x MAC for sampling operators in Plant 1 and between 5.5

and 6.3.x MAC for ore handling operators in Plant 2, if respirators
were not worn while performing the above operations.

Another serious source of airborne contamination is the Hoffman
Vacuum drumming station in Plant 2. The dust collector is located
on the fourth floor and the dust is emptied by opening a valve
bensath the eollector which allows the dust to drop to the first
floor drumming station. This drumming station is of the old design
which is inadequate because it allows copious quantities of dust
to escape.

Modernization

Both Plant 1 and Plant 2 are currently handling ore with obsolescent
equipment and attendant operating difficulties. The drummed ore is

handled and rehandled many times before it is finally dumped and the
empty drums must then be handled several times before rail shipment

to the vendor.

Sempling and Weighing

The sampling and weighing of ore concentrates is presently accom-
plished in two separate areas of the Sampling Plant (Drum Recondi-
tioning Building and Plant 1 Building). This requires a double
pamplide crew, extra material handling equipment and four scales.

A semi-automatic auger type sampler is used to handle the bulk of

‘the ore concentrates; however, it is.too light to handle all types

of ore. Some ores require pipe sampling which is slower and more
costly; others require the use of a ship's auger type sampler, The
semi-automatic auger sampler mentioned above has been used extensively
and is in need of replacement.

Although the drums of ore are gross weighed prior to sampling, the
directive for payment cannot be made for any Canadian and some of
the other shipments until a tare weight has been secured on the empty
drums. Considerable bookkeeping and paper work are required since
there is a decided time lag between receipt, weighing and sampling,
dumping of the ore, and final tare weighing.

After the ore is dumped, the empty drums are transferred from Plant 2
to Plant 1 by tractor-trailers. They must be sorted by vendor and

shipping lot and are then transferred to the tare weigh station at
the southwest corner of Plant 1. This tare weigh station is remotely

OFFICIAL USE ONLY

3158335


t. i, sal
- : Pe t fr a » e
e a “ forsee COMPSAN AL USE ONLY,
y (Al OF OD en

‘: . 28. i072 «2215886 2 .
fn hobo November 28. 197 alzye
axe
. Cog tc:
SUBIESTM: 4.2 OUST RESULTS CF DUMP:NG ORE CONCENTRATE: qs ~ -
Riforiry
To: Ww. J. Adams Jin. ia

FROM: R. C. Heatherton

REFERENCE: 1. Letter, R. C. Heatherton to W. J. Adamr, dated 10/2 :72, a. zso>
. “air Dust Sempling in the Refine=.”

2. Latter, S F. Audlate P. G. DeFazic, duted 11/3/72, *“pasting/2.28¢
Problems in the Ore Ref.nery and Capacity Requirements"

“i/92 measurements were made ef the 2irborne radioactivity resulting from the

g of concsnirates at the Refinery’ s nerzh dumping station, Results which are

sumnaz:zed below nullify those previcus-y reported te you in refevence } and indicate

0 defe need-fo> improved dust contre: for these opecations. it is my opinion that

, Mr. Firsieh, the chemical operator assigned te the dumping on 11/21, was doing the

| beat be could with the existing equipment and the materiel be was dunping. In sdditicn,
be faiteiuiis wore his respirator wiie doing this jeb.

In the trme that i watched and eamp.ed the cpesation | a#é not sbserve alcberre dust
cutside che dumping encicsure ner id T 3¢e anv drums in wh: shthe meteris: appeered
te be wet. However, the gnaterin was apparentss sutu damp to prevent it from
~ fering icom-the-overturned 67s. Usvalls the dram. be struck seversi times
ca tie s des with a hemmer in oxder to start tue
be done with tre deer ts the enclosure open. When
wes jegged tc complete the dumping. st that point tre enclosure veg

Tre secp.e resu'ts from in front ef the encicsurs inc
dust certrcl with the deer te the excinsure lowered, Svt
Guxp'ng. The resutts of process samples cciiected
an the SOG of 100 d/mim3, were still lower than ¢
tm otser cperctions caused these resuits to be

leaving 2 smmet. cpen
he srral. cpeni
rresuls. 3fost =
nigh.

¢ Gumeng in rsference Z.

A to items ~2isting to the een

pecetien os unsafe end
the need ¢ ar convevets ene Ti.

vng t+e emptr deans before remuers?



SEPIA LOUIE UNEASE Se ae
. 2260757

NATIONAL LEAD COMPANY OF OHIO

_ CINCINNATI “39, OHIO
@ . March 26, 1963

SUBJECT . AIR DUST RE-EVALUATION OF THE THORTUM FURNACE - PLANT 6

TO C. Re Chapman
FROM R. He Starkey
REFERENCE

On December 10 and 11, 196

2 an air a evaluation was
condueted of the Thorius Purpécs. \® aits-6f phe air dust
samples taken during this surve re noun vow and they
are compared with the re a Soles collected during
October, 1960 and Januz. 5 .

x
3962 1960
1260 - -

residGe into Rotex sifter 27 31 33
g drum at product canning station 19 4.0 4.0
pace with pieces of setal : 7 3.0 3.0

25 *©- °
jest of furnace 1.8 < -

iximim allowable concentration (70 « d/a/m3)
motds operation or area cid not exist or was included in
bother classification at the time of sampling.

the Thorius Purnace and Rotex sifter have ventilation,

In ad@ition, a majority of the
operations performed in conjunction with the furnace do not
have local ventilation at all. It should be mentioned sso
that the plexiglass window in the product eanning station is
broken. This is reducing the ventilation efficiency of the

e station. The rabbeling arms in the top hearths of the furnace

OLLUS
ee
i
E
§
s

OFFICIAL USE ONLY

A PRINE CONTRACTOR FOR THE U.S. ATOMIC ENERGY



Pn abehe a

:
5 . Grete
r _ NATIONAL LEAD COMPANY OF OHIO Cg
aM 25 12 2 PH ,
P.O. BOX 3nss CINCINNATI, OHIO aSz3?
JUN 2 5 1868

Me. C. L. Karl, Area Manager
USAEC, Cincinnati Area Office
P, 0, Box 39188

Cineinnati, Onic 45239

Subject! ANNUAL STORAGR INVENTORY
CONCENTRATES AND THORIUM

tion Production Reoording and

a “haek anventcried the normal uranius

concentrates KEP aid the Thorium Stcrage Account. It 28 nct

feve. won the condition of indzviduel

+live PoLiowing -chaervaticns

y e the cver-all condition of the cruss

Ddased ox obbervagicn onjthe top of the stockpile, overlooking
érum so from the ground, surveying the

8cuth African ecncentrate are the mest
Ap te 20% cf the lids at the upper level
Dlock cf 2,080 drums may net last ancther

te is visible iithin the érum. Many Scuth

can drums are rusting on the drum salis; this
mere serious chan corroaicn cf ihe lids since
eventually affect the strength of the pile and
drum handling, Only a alight trace of materia2
lose is visible between blocks cf drums at this time.

A PRIME CONTRACTOR FOR THE U.S. ATOMIC ENERGY COMMISSION

BEST COPY AVAILABLE scaaat 3100764



SAFETY

6 GUIDE

NATIONAL LEAD COMPANY

7 oF ONO
Suiy 2, 1968
Major Injury #3 and #4
Date
June 28, 1968
ime
12:00 a.m.
Bivision
Technical
Location
PLE Operation - PLiot Plant
it Involved

T ) . PLT Furnace

Injory .
#3 - ist, 2nd, and degree burns cf back of head. lst degree
burhs of’ bots eyes ere

#4 - Lat and 2nd degree burns of face, both eyes and both wrists.
vee Debaiie : : ”

Two fechnical Division bag pechrec ti @ Pilot Plant Chemical Operator
3) « and a Metallurgical D student a) were injured
the result of_an ‘explosion iy the ‘open of the PLT
furnace. =. Pilot Plant employee was inside the open seen fernece
. the insulation pack and the so-op employes was standing on
&@ ladder observing the operation when the explosion cecured. Both
euployees were trested on site and later transferred to an off site
tal. It is expected that they will be released to return to
work in a week or more.

A committee has deen formed to investigate the cause(s} of the
accident. al ets)

check the rules — they‘re safaty tools mi

oY a 2668355 3230792
Ott



g ANNUAL STORAGE INVENTORY OF NOAMAL URANIUE CONCENTRATES AND THORIU
e Mr. C. L. Kari Page <

2} Te drums cf Gomestic concentrate are in auch better
condition than the Scuth African drums. hile some ligh
pustin, is necieeable en the lids at the upper. level,
os. significant rust2ne ef the drum -:alis .as observed.

3) About 1% <f the 2,64) drume cf French Ti
fucnset #2 are leaking. Many addéitionay
g1gns <P ecrresicn.

4) Several drums -f THT cryetals in B
however, the number cf leakers 18/f1

5) More than 50% -f the drwas cl
am vhe vad area -est °f Build:
are in neec :f redrumaias. i
cf the drum -f thoriun res ss ix faded and
needs to be restencaled.

Tne total drus coats cbtasned 2
she Grum ccunt as reeerdec in ote

oes
eet S.
&,

c.

S.

ce

rl

BEST COPY AVAILABLE
: 3100765


PRELIMINARY DRAWING

Drawing No. “Title
6-4730 Oxidation of Thorium Residues -

Proposed Equipment Installation

OUTLINE SPECIFICATIONS
Following is a brief description of the wore required to modify

the existing sludge oxidation furns: ry facilities

to make them suitable for thoriup tionAn compliance

with Health & Sefety, Accountab: jousekeeping requirements.

l. Alterationsto Existing Pabilit

removed, decon-

tion of the thorium

(b) fork connecting the furnace to the

tem shall be removed.

e &" diameter charge tube between the furnace valve

second hearth shall be removed.

Individual sludge collection trays shall be installed
for each of the three clarifier units, replacing the
fire barrier trough. ‘The sludge will be scraped

manually cff the trays into drums.


OFICIAL UBE ONLY TO or se

mF

October 7, 1970

» ign 2117284
AIR DUST LEVELS AT THORIUM METAL OPERATIONS

M. W. Boback

K. M. Ross and C. &. Long

Letter, K. N. Ross to M. W. Boback, gat eptembe 23° 1970,

Air Dust Evaluation of Various Oper iorium
Metal Production - Pilot Plant

The following is a compila Gust levels found in

the Pilot Plant thorium metad ope’ tion Some of the samp-~
ling is yet to be comple da. air dust concen-
trations are high enoug pling. This is sarked
where gppropriate. particular air dust
level is known, it is " places, possible
remedies are sugges g is an early approxi-
mation of air dus

NcG
CA THF, Precipitation 1.0
Since ope; ons onvthis platform concern
only les\ehd solutions of thorium, it is
vel. the general air dust levels are caused
by p tions. «These are- oo paring
Ball Mill area an: of" charen
t the canning station.
from the filter boxes 68

and Pitz Mill area 1.9

n¥e in the filter boxes is almost dry

ndjis made airborne by the scooping and dumping
fon as well az the mechanical action of the

Mill. The ares is liberally sprinkled

th Th, during this operation. The floor and

mill are hosed down after each operation. Hosing

Will not clean the overhead and much of the

equipment is electric and cannot be hosed down.

This material dries and becomes airborne. It

037416



(h) A new stainless steel charge tube, approximately 11*

I.D., shall be installed between the furnace valve
and the second hearth.

(1) The existing floor collection tre: thin the area

enclosed for the thorium oxidation xf ogram shall be

blanked off to prevent cross-con portable

sumppump shall be provided R as

laneous solids.

charge to 30 pound is further proposed to
package each charge Plain, unlidded paper carton or tub
approximately 8" dia. © 10" high. The container and

material w

EMENTS
Start Finish
1. Design 2 wks. after approval i2 wks. after approval


APES PORE ee SP RT, er

Air Dust Re-evaluation of the ‘qhorium Furnace - Plant 6

Cc. R. Chapman
March 26, 1963

have been removed, thus the excessive cold residue on the edge
of the hearths is raked into the furna: y hand (this cperation

is 1260 X MAC).

As was discussed in a meeting in yo fice %) morning, this
furnace should be shut down immediz' a: cessing the.
thorium now on site. J. Carvitti 1] should be

completed by approximately Juxs

RHS/njs
ces J. A. Quigi °

?

3420711 -


Un -0502

18-21-0101

Dram #2 306 pounds
98?
53 2
A 7
#5 760

.

Sax
faze ¢

Large missive srenzy,
corroded pieces. (larger
than 2 coconut)

Solid dense pieces

Clad pleces

Derby pieces slightly
corroded and oxidized

Derby pieces corroded
and oxidized

oes


NATIONAL LEAD COMPANY OF OHIO
CINCINNATS 39, OHIO

July 17, 1964

THORIUM OPERATION ~ PILOT PLANT

R. BE. stereo 2118943

- J. F. Wing

* \. personally discussed
: phone at » time
: we still somewhat

work was outlined to us as antasive schedule. I

proposed plans. Sothens/£> Beh were there as were
representatives of 8

provedures; however, as "fluid" as
this Aes notpressed until June and met with
sic! . The tatter of "no procedures” was
e-you the same day and, as I understand, you

& on to Dick Heatherton. 7.

mI véc@ll anyone mentioning that the crucibles

Ja. I did not ask, Neither did I esk if

7 cyanide, or nerve gas was going to be used.
tin-can and bailing wire set-up that was

mas alresdy enough to ask about. With the

Be work has and with the background of the

sapervisory force, I am surprised that they didn't

I would expect that a supervisor of such an

ould have dpne so if he gave a a for health and

Sia/not learn of the use of BeO until the night of 7/1}. Our
éstigation began the morning of 7/15. We learned that 7/15
was to be the last day for using the BeO-coated erucibles on
this ‘thorium rum. We also learned from a Pilot Plant supervisor
on 7/17 that “wetve used BeOQ from the start." The first thorium
matel arrived at the Laboratory Machine Shop on June 9 (3 ingots
This means thet the metal was probably poured not much over two
to three days before --- maybe as late as June 8. This would
mean thet the Pilot Plant supervisor responsible for the project
was probably very aware of the possible or intended use of BeO
at the outset (late May or early June).



@”’

~3-

S. F. ‘Audia
_ November 17, 1965

A decision as to what will be done with these residues must be
made prior to February or March of 1966, when the pilot Plant
will be cut of therium feed.

The project Engineering Department has been in touch’ with the
IH&R Department and they have agreed to allow the redrumming
to continue at the present location of the dues on the

following bases:

1. All personnel in the area shall wei
respirator, proper clothing,
cleaned up by the use of a
to removal of respirators.

‘Drums are available for, use of polyethylene
arum liners is nended Material is encountered.
Precautions should g nt further mixing of

Conclusions: .

It is agreed % Mat regardless of whether we process
the material 2 Lact thorium, or process it in Plants 1

or 8, ox bury in aly burial site other than that of the licensee

ho would pick up as is and perform the
Yak iust be redrummed at the-pad. It is
ial be redrummed at once for greater
ease final decision is made on disposition

ons of the possible courses of action outlined
leted we will be able to determine whether

écgnomically feasible. This information will be
epért with recommended solutions.

a
= . ra wad ’
ke Ae ae ie,
yi

BP. G. DeFazio

RBB/APP/wik

ec: #8. M. Beers R. H. Starkey

5 eo ve Carvitts W. J. Strattman
4324655 3. cavendish
c. R. Chapman

cv. Costa


323E



Thorium NCG
J. A. Quigley, M.D.
July 6, 196).

For the previously mentioned reasons w
practical NCG for thorium is 100 a a/:
use it in our thorium airdust surveys

ded thet 2
We plan to

Page 2


5:

retract the snloacing cylinder and close tre valve

aS scon as the cnarge has falies free of cre vaive

zie sesone hearth of the f=rmace. The sc:st

m automatically return tO the icading

Fost

AM exhaust hood sonnectec

system Shali ce instalied

Suitable shovels, rakes,

fea used for the storage and handling of the
horium residues shall be temporarily enclosed by 6 ft.
cyclone fencing to prevent cross-contaminaticn of
thorium and uranium materiais. An access gate shall

ce proviced for fork truck access.

we
Ww
o
0
is)
Ls]
wet

aeteen eae Teese Set we mea


b eLaanike dpahee Fae 7

The started sit aut quheticn sos

@:
. Laer:

BEST COPY AVAILABLE



Health Protection Aspects of Thorium Production Page 2
R. C. Heatherton :

March 8, 1976

Although this ALAP (as low as practicable) philosophy has

been around several years, it has not been emphasized until

recently and we can expect greater emphasis by ERDA in the
. Part ¥ contains several pages of ALAP guidance.

It is clear that EEDA will expect visible thorium dusts

4n the workplace to be eliminated, even though the tine—

weighted thorium exposures are within b

Finally, after making sure that the Tab
exceeded and exposures bave been made
must make use of whatever means are &'
how much of a thorium intake his spera’
NLO, this means using the in o D
In fact, we are fortunate tha’ 4
for assessing thorium lung bukdet
other means is almost impossib

limit is not
ontractor

There are, then, three questionsto ® answered in deter~
mining if a thorium oper 10R BR quirements and
is acceptable from a andpeint:

éus and easily controlled sources
eén eliminated? .

te about the acceptability ef future
8 should snéwer these questions for
um operation, production of thorium

sampling showed, many. times, that high dust
9 existed from the opening of the filter
/s to the canning operation. To stay within
‘4ime-weighted exposure of 100 G/m/n*? it was
ommended that respirators be worn. Phey were
‘worn regularly. It was also recommended that
full use be made of the filter press hood to
control dust. Except for equipment or procedure
changes, these are the only two methods avail-
able to reduce thorium deposition in the lung--
use control features properly and use respirators
wee when recommended. In my opinion, these two
methods, when fully utilized, were capable of
@ keeping the operators’ time-weighted exposures
within 100 d/n/m*.

037388


Type 21:

TX-ziovtol 2% bexes = 3,2:

AN of thie moterial vas redr

weizit sas due to oxidation

sludge. Sone of this mate
- 5

YW-s-aM cn # 423 ‘peund: Suall, corraied pisces
(fist sise and wder)

ox-225-020, Drum #l 620 poms Kedium, solid, corroded,
: - spongy, prilly, spill _
metal Pacces

‘

:

sbnese

3

Rages

dn
I



xy

THORIUM PROCESSING AT FMPC

elevated temperature in inconel batch retorts, and zinc flaoride is sub-
stituted for zinc chloride in the co-reduction with calcium to produce

the Th-Zn aliov regulus. The dezinced regulus is sawed for 2 sample

purity of the thorium metal has been achieved. °

and metal production operations continue

oP



NLO, Inc.

A Byeheraay OF HL WOUSTMES, HC.
CINCINNATI, OHIO 4529
November 6, 1984 2230863

HEALTH, SAFETY, AND ENVIRONMENTAL MATTERS AT THE PILOT PLANT

E. MH. Nutter
R, M. Spencetey -

REFERENCE Letter, R. 8. Weidner to £. M. Nutter, Same Subject, November 1, 1984

We are in receipt of the reference letter which describes serious. health,
safety, and ‘environmental problens in the Pilot Plant. These probiers
have ly occurred as a_result of desi and construction defe

in the new UFg to UF, reactor. ons: rs ‘ons

be tolerated. B8y receipt of this letter, ty verbal instructions to you
earlier this morning to shut the plant down, are confirmed. You are

also instructed to begin and to expedite cleanup of the facility and pn
completion to request ‘monitoring by the Health and Safety Division to-
assure that the cleanup has been carried out in a completely satisfactory
manner.

In the future, copies of letters describing situations of such importance
are to be forwarded inmediately to this office.

lof’ R, M. Spenceley
~ WAErb . :

ce: M. W. Boback - R. B. Weidner
N, R. Lest

a ene conreccTen ven tHe SErsntuauT OF encase



Air Dust Concentrations in the Pilot Plant Thorium Process
Novenber 19, 1970 Page-6—

REDUCTION AREA
Ro. a-d/n/m

Description Ssmp. Hign Low Avg. X-K
BZ Oserator renoving furnace pot 1 53 53 53

from Rockwell furnace. ;
GA Reduction area. 9 430 10 eg L
BZ Preparing liner material at 790 2ho 515

Ball Mill.
cA Ball Mill area. 53) \ 17 3T 0

1,262

x
°
3
Hy
g
i
4
z

C
y
o

upside down on a ae
removes thorium derh{
open. Wo yentilation

BZ Same as above, b : 3900 «= 230 2065 22

GA Pump located th 30,300 1350 15.725 15T

the doorway to

on above, with 2 200 5 WAT 1

Meted thide feet north of 1 6300-6300 6300- 63
“Griswida Y |

on as above with west 2 100 29 6h ¢
in operation.

SAWING THORIUM DERBY

eee

BZ, ator sawing derbies, loading 3 45,570 630 125,910 15¢
x id unloading saw, stamping
» Gerby pieces and samples. Res-

vw, . pirater worn, Ventilation at
wy saw blade only.

r oe Saw area. 12 650. 13 290


2X-27-0362

2K-207-0401 Electrodes

Solid scrap, rod enda,
battons, crops, pieces,
Ce

Clean flats and solids

eeterial wes mie into two its. Both lots of material
god renolt ustal efter pickling,

ao 3 -Se-2002 Dram #1 41, pounis Clean crops
. Se Bin

HO

#% «2,108
UX-208-2002.  Druz #1 1,227 pounds Crops

f2 868

Z095 pounds

‘Type 2os Thine briquettes were left intact tut they were recoded. They


BeO Air Dust Evaluation of Plasma Flame Spray Facility -

Pilot Plant Page 2

R. E. Starkey
September 26) 1966

hood has been designed to. encompass the door of the plasma
spray facility before opening. The cons on and
installation of this hood has gone out for s
This hood should minimize spillage of fatefial on the floor
when the door is opened. The inner fade
be vacuumed clean as it is opened. Extgnsions shpuld be
obtained for the vacuum cleaner so~that & e interior of

the facility.

Dust type respirators with q nA were worn by the
operators when the survey yas\contucted Until the effective-
ness of the ventilated hood\ can\ge Bete: mined, the operators
should continue to wear dusd
filters while conducting

1. Preparing feed for
2. Cleaning the i
3. Conducting

old Thy value as established by the
@ of Govermmental Industrial Hygienists

~
aa

é

R. L. Bipes

L. Elston
J. 0. Davis

2021648


‘e

MONTHLY THORIUM INVENTORY POSITION AT HLO AS OF 8/2/78
ERIC TONS .

‘REPORTED IM Met

Impure Thoria Gel from Hanford
Thoricm Oxides in’Plent 8 Silo
Thoriuz Oxalate Cake

Thorium Nitrate

Off-Site Thorium

Off-Site Thorium Oxides
Thorium Nitrate Solution

TO

TOTEL INVENTORY

73.5

ea
0.8
0.5
38.2

7.9


re.

Pueee 1 6

SUBJECT:
= TO:

FROM:

REFERENCE +

Upon the stoppage cf thé

Cincinnati, Ohio 45239 ;
November 17, 1965 2223507

VENTILATION FOR REDRUMMENG OF THORIUM RESIDUES
S. F. Audia
P. G. DeFazio

Request for Engineering Services dated
Engineering Project 1-91

requesting design 0:

ha prog " Ageordingly, a meting was
called to gather all of the autstanding information on the
ihg tnd eventual disposal of the

ive nature of the material and exposure to the
ims corroded and disintegrated on the pad with
of marking on individual drums. ven though
of storage for separate lots is known there

ing of the drummed materials. The degree of mixture
d as each redrumaing of the material was accomplished.
we have an increasing amount of general scrap and
zesidues and scrap.

On Novenber 10, 1965. a meeting was held to discuss this problem.
Im attendance were: W. Strattman, J. Costa, K. 2083, R. Bipes.
J. Cavendish,.35. Carvitti, A. F. pennak and R. B. Boies. An
attempt was made to delineate this problem of redrumming thorium
residues. The following possible courses of action were estab-



| iil ERASER SNS ONE SORE

MW. Bodback :
October 7, 1970 Page 2
xcs

has been noticed that thorium compounds are

quite hard to remove from any surface by use

of water alone. The drying pans which are

filled contribute to the air dust levels at

this operation since they are covered with

a crust of dried Thl,. This, of ¢

becomes airborne when the pens are
BZ aw
BZ > dryers. 180
GA Th, crying ares Li
BZ = Removing pans<of Ury JR on A Ra

It is expected tha oepletely sampling
these operations wi. h
quite this

they are not

3 of air dust

the drying pans,

usted Th, on the carts, and
‘and in the drying ovens. Keeping

quipment jean should. aid in- lowering these

but the Job of cleaning them

urce of airborne dust. .

om drying pans into retort pots. ig

side west door of semicontinuous reduction 4.2
enclosure.

These operations were discussed previously.

O37417


oy

RECT PNpv AVATD ADIE

Mr. C. L. Karl, Ares Manager Page 2
Request for Authorization to Remove Thorium Residnes........- ~

road. Tt has been determined that burial at the Nuclear Engineering Corporatian
facility at gtturs tos best posaible solariea to the prooled.
The cost of burial hes been determined to pproscima
vould be made in Muclear Engineering Corseratinn tea cs
at an estimated cost of $615.

ane problem of redrumming the thorium residues is of p
The redrumning operation is slow and tedious; the
be considered. It bas been estimated that reg
one to two drums per hour, using teoms of
operator. However, one truck operator co
two-man labor teams, Although reconditioned
used, it is apparent thet the redru y
pocket cost bas been calculated as #2,

In view of our current financial plen
funds estimated at a total of about

drumming operstions. Nevertheless, From
appears to be highly desirable Spo
expeditiously as possible.

L¢4 Lyf
Zz 0h € ap
—T/ 2 *

Le
ner?



vs Mr. C. L. Kari, Area Manager - Page 2

orium ris

e ‘We should appreciate your advice on the matter of a capital expenditure
to provide a safe and efficient facility for future burning of thorium
materials, We shalt be pleased to submit a proposal if it is considered
that there is a need for such a facility.

Sincerely yours,

CRC:mb

ce: C. L. Karl, lx
Cc. R. Chapman
P, G. DeFazio
S. Marshall - P. McCr;
J. A. Quigley

W. A. Smith
e Central Files Ke



wuo-384.07E

f NATIONAL LEAD COMPANY CENTRAR- Filgs

4 P.O. BOX 158
- MT. HEALTHY ION mals: i
a CINCINNATE one to r- ‘ f
. August 25, 1953
SUBJECT
to Control of Dust in the Seapling Plant
. 2za2gir
non Blythe
J. J. Conta
REFERENCE

Report: £ V. Barry to Se Ae Quigley, “Industrial Hygiene md Radiation
Preliminary Report on the Sampling Plant" dated 8/19/53

past levels reported in the above survey are due to failures sad
on the af the proses: - these fallure Have not

ate borne dust far above peruissable safe working levels,
wary ine ties caused completion of the evaluation progras to fall far
behind schedule.

Th sil be noted that much of the dust is cased by the failare of both
the Q-Ll and MgX dehesders. ittempts are being made by Richond Machining Co.
in Philadelphia to rectify this situations _t

‘me area around the Mek Drumeing Station is dusty ef poor design.
A redesign study is presently being asde by Yngineering, too, is
studying a redesign of hoods and ventilating laboratories to

decrease dust there.
Pyveyors on thy Q1l side have been

Large contributors to the existing dast ona, Conveyor G2-70 which feeds
Sell to the sseplers has been non-functiollp with frequent breakdowns and
under constant. 2, G20 TB deen severdi tines causing G11 to
spill out of the tail ond . geooveyers are unter study by Xr.
H. Jeineke who is working e in atteapting to make these conveyors
work. 2-70 conveyor be eliminated completely by elevating the
Riliians Xi toa where it cen discharge to the first sampler
by means of g/vibritory ©: ", A "Request for Engineering Services* has
been sade accomplish thie change in anticipstion of complete failnre on the
part of G27, :

‘The magne evarators and drum washers are now under stody and vill be
corrected. ae a canmmdation bas been aade to endlose and ventilste the dis”
charge points of the Hoffman Collectors. ‘The milticlone and gas cooler are

presently being studied for sore efficient collection and discharging.

Very truly yours,

‘ORIGINAL SIGNED BY

J. 5. COSTA
J. J. Costa

HidubEel

JIC Some /

-ae: G. ¥. Mander
Se ke Qaighey, ¥eDe



NATIONAL

2232169

Plane |

COMPANY OF OHIO



a

=2=
the unoxidized state, the hazard and expensive housekeeping

problems will exist. Corrosion from prolonged storage of .

the drums has resulted in oil leaks, and redrumming and

clean tp protlems. Attempts to redrum these materials have

resulted in violent reactions exposing £

Qnnel to possible

serious injury. At present, because of
Storage space, it ig necessary
without the desired spacing or
the spread of possible fires

2. Solution

Use of the Plant 6 slud% oxidation of

these pyrophoric t: proposec. ‘This will
require alterati. g>facilities and dust

removal system,

The sludge aA lly installed for processing
sludge fp6 entour grinding operations. Production require-

Rium material not meeting the diszosal criteria.

fation of these thorium residues will enable NLO to

The ‘
m 1

these residues. The constant danger from pyrophoric

the Commission's request by safely storing all of

materials will be eliminated,

3368003


Ce Bey7/

“RATIONAL LEAD COMPANY OF OHIO
Cincinnati, Ohio 45239
March 8, 1976 2127274

SUBJECT: HEALTH PROTECTION ASPECTS OF THORIUM PRODUCTION

A C, Heatherton
M. W. Bobeck

Consideration of future

Pilot Plant has led to quest: dite d Beaith
& Safety Division about beal' Q ion and the need
for control equipment to 964 diuded the budget sub-
missions. This is a revi ° horitia work in the recent
past and comments about wh needed for future work.
In order to dete: protection aspects of
a thorium operat: not we are
to start with the 68 given in Manual
5d revision, dated
April 8, 1975, A, gives an airborne
limit of d entrations in this table were
selected on the bats Mat 40 years of continuous expo-

ons, would not produce a quantity
uy which would have any adverse
there would be compliance with

ter limit was not exceeded. All

respirator use, clean-up, equipment
> been based on the NC@ of 100 d/n/n*.

+6 considering the Table I limit, EHDA con-
mst also consider the requirements of Part V,

4, This section, titled "Guidance On Main’

To As Low As Practicable," notes that adherence
sure limits “is, in itself, insufficientTM because
ERDA policy that “operations shall be conducted in
ner to assure that radiation exposure to indivicuais
population gt 3 is limited to the lowest practical
levels technically and economically practicable.”

037385 a